Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has issued a Safer at Home Order that extends to all 77 counties for vulnerable populations (those 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions) to stay at home through April 30.
Mayor G.T. Bynum issued a Safer at Home order for all Tulsans that began March 28 through April 16 to slow the spread of COVID-19. Previously, the State of Oklahoma issued a Safer at Home order statewide for those 65 years or older and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Bynum’s order includes all Tulsans regardless of age.
The Tulsa Safer at Home order applies to all public and private events or social gatherings outside of a family or living unit.
Stitt’s order:
- Requires restaurants in Oklahoma counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases to provide take-out and delivery options only and closes all bars in those counties.
- Closes all businesses not identified as being within a critical infrastructure sector, such as gyms, salons, massage parlors and movie theaters, where counties have community spread effective March 25 through April 15.
Stitt said the state is working on a plan to send all coronavirus patients to hospitals in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Stitt said the state will be conform to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s critical infrastructure sectors that need to stay open. They are chemical; commercial facilities; communications; critical manufacturing; dams; defense industrial base; emergency services; energy; financial services; food and agriculture; government facilities; health care and public health; information technology; nuclear reactors, materials, and waste transportation systems; and water and wastewater systems The City of Tulsa is following the State of Oklahoma’s Order as it relates to essential and non-essential business closures.
All city-owned sport courts, golf courses, sports fields and dog parks are closed, and the use of any fitness equipment, playground equipment, or shelters within City Parks is prohibited even if not locked, gated, or fenced.
Here are permitted activities:
- Trips to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store.
- Trips to the pharmacy to pick up medications and healthcare necessities.
- Trips to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first).
- Trips to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-through.
- Trips to care or support for a friend or family member.
- Walks, riding a bike, hiking, jogging and being outside for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others.
- Walking pets and taking them to the veterinarian, if necessary.
- Helping someone get necessary supplies for their health and well-being.
- Working under the essential guidelines provided by the State of Oklahoma.
Self-quarantine for travelers
Stitt has issued an order that travelers from six states – New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana or Washington – to self-quarantine for 14 days.
It requires delivery personnel to submit to screenings on request at hospitals, clinic, long-term care facilities and day care centers. This screening would likely include a temperature check and short questionnaire about possible exposure to COVID-19.
“Our health care workers are the true heroes in this fight against COVID-19,” said Stitt. “These protections will continue to keep them and their families safe as they work to take care of their fellow Oklahomans.”
Self-quarantine protocols include staying at home, not having visitors and practicing social distancing. Individuals who are self-quarantined and need access to groceries or medication should seek to have them delivered to their doorstep or call 211 for assistance.